This used to be a pretty rough area overall.Average income levels in a given zip code as well as school districts are good indications of Neighborhood class.

This knowledge is key.

I think the key to getting a good start in REI is finding a way to have a high 9 to 5 income and using a good portion of it  invest in your real estate endeavors. 

I live in California (Central Coast) and have built a 12-door portfolio in Detroit, which has been a great market for both cash flow and long-term potential.Detroit still offers properties well below the $150k mark, with strong rent-to-price ratios and a market that’s seeing growth in key areas.

However the key is making sure the numbers pencil out so that, at minimum, even in the worst case, you can pay back that heloc because interest on that is going to be very high.

The key is that the gap funder is usually someone you know and have a relationship with.

The key would be making sure to talk to a local banker that can do CRE loans for owner occupied properties as not all banks do them.

The first hurdle was convincing them to leave via cash for keys.

Here's an ideal PM contract: The two keys are: The PM is incentivized to make you money, not charge high fees, and is contractually bound to provide reporting that you can understand in a timely manner. 

Open to either somewhat of a fixer upper or turn-key properties.